In a world where business often moves fast and transactions are routine, sometimes a single sale can carry a deeper meaning. That’s exactly what happened when Gunn JCB sold a 16C-1 mini digger to Nick D’Silva of Fidenti – an exchange that became a powerful gesture of compassion and bringing communities together.

Rather than treating the sale as business as usual, Gunn JCB made the heartfelt decision to donate all profits from the sale to the Owen McVeigh Foundation, a children’s cancer charity based in Liverpool. The donation was made in honour of Oliver, the son of Will (a Mortgage Advisor at Fidenti), who was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukaemia 18 months ago.

A Sale with Significance

This sale of the JCB 16C-1 machine was more than just a commercial deal to everyone involved, it was a symbol of community. Nick, owner of Fidenti, was quick to support the initiative when he learned the profits would benefit a cause so close to his team’s heart.

“The charity donation means absolutely everything, I think it’s incredibly ethical for JCB to align with our values, and that charity is really at the heart of everything we do. The fact that the offer has been there from the dealership is just magical.”

Nick’s enthusiasm reflects a growing belief that businesses have the power to make meaningful contributions to their communities, especially when those contributions support families facing unimaginable challenges.

 

 

Oliver’s Journey

Oliver’s diagnosis of Leukaemia marked the beginning of a 25-month treatment plan – a journey filled with hospital visits, emotional highs and lows, and the unwavering support of his family and workplace.

Will, Oliver’s father, shared how Fidenti has stood by him every step of the way, ensuring he never missed a critical moment in his son’s treatment.

“Fidenti have been fantastic. I’ve not missed any crucial appointment or treatment that Oliver’s required. For the first 12 months especially, life was so unpredictable. You didn’t know what the next hour was going to be at some times. At any moment he could need a blood or platelet transfusion, or he could spike a temperature, life was so unstable. Fidenti just worked around that entirely, putting absolutely no pressure on me.”

Beyond medical care, emotional respite has been vital, not only for Oliver, but for Will and his family as well. Will Spoke passionately about the Owen McVeigh Foundation, particularly the time spent at Peacock Lodge, a retreat provided by the charity.

“The lodge they’ve got in the Lake District is absolutely fantastic. After everything that we’ve been through, getting to go to that lodge at the point we did was a saviour for us. We also took Oliver’s Nan and Grandad because they’re very much about that, it’s not just about Oliver, but also it’s about us and his entire support network around him.

“We went and had one of the best weeks ever, because we’ve been through some absolute terrible times. It’s a luxury lodge, and Oliver deserves that luxury given what he’s been through. You don’t have to worry about booking a lodge, and then not being able to go because Oliver’s poorly and then losing the money, because that week away is gifted to you. If something were to happen, they have a reserve list so another family can go instead, and they’ll accommodate us another time.”

The Owen McVeigh Foundation

The Owen McVeigh Foundation was born out of tragedy and love over 9 years ago. Owen, the son of founders Mark and Jo McVeigh, passed away from Leukaemia at just 11 years old. His legacy lives on through the foundation, which brings joy, comfort, and unforgettable experiences to children battling cancer and their families.

Eddie, a representative of the foundation, shared his deep connection to the cause, having worked on children’s cancer wards for much of his life.

“In all my 34 years dealing with children’s cancer, I’ve never known a legacy charity expand at the rate that the Owen McVeigh Foundation has. It has the simplest mission statement in the world – to provide life memories for children suffering with cancer. We get to know our kids really well, find out what they like, and what their life memory is going to be.”

The foundation offers a wide range of support, from events and outings to access to their box at Liverpool M&S Bank Arena. These experiences provide moments of joy and normalcy for children who face extraordinary challenges.

“Mark is so driven, if you see the calendar of events, it’s full of events that these families love, we’ve even got events booked up right the way through to 2027. We’ve partnered with the main big venue in Liverpool, the M&S Bank Arena. This means the children and their families are watching the show in complete luxury in their own box with nice food and drink. Our children who may be immunosuppressed or otherwise not particularly well, can enjoy events away from the masses of people downstairs.

“We’ve also partnered with the Liverpool FC Foundation, meaning we get match tickets and mascot requests. Mark and I will never tire of phoning a parent and asking if their child wants to be a mascot for Liverpool, this is a money-can’t-buy experience and can only be achieved with a connection to the club like the one we have.”

Businesses Making a Difference

This initiative is a shining example of how companies can use their platforms and resources to make a difference. Gunn JCB’s donation is not just financial, it’s a statement of coming together as a community for a great cause. Money raised through donations like this one can help to gift a child with cancer a once in a lifetime experience.

It’s a reminder that behind every machine, every sale, and every decision a business makes, there’s an opportunity to do good. Kieron Tiller, our team member who facilitated the deal, spoke about his connection to Will and the charity.

“I’ve known Will for a few years now, so when I saw the Fidenti enquiry come through, I straight away brought up that we could do a charitable donation for Oliver. As a father myself, it was important for me to get involved with the Owen McVeigh Foundation as they make the lives of children suffering with cancer that little bit better.”

How You Can Get Involved

The Owen McVeigh Foundation continues to support families across Liverpool and beyond. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, there are many ways to help out.

Donate to the Owen McVeigh Foundation today